grants from a parish council

Question

Several years ago we had work done in our village by a utility company.

A substantial amount of money was given to us (parish council ) for use of a field to store and use their huts and gear.

So this money is NOT precepted money.

Our local boat club has asked for a donation of £1000

They have asked that "articles of association, business plans etc. and any other documents you think may assist us in making our decision.

Is this really necessary? Surely it does not come under the localism act 1972. This is money given to the people of the village. Are they legally entitled to , the word they used 'scutinise the club. and its committee members?

Thank you

Answer 1

The source of money is only a secondary consideration when it comes to spending decisions. A local council should ideally have a standard procedure for dealing with requests for grants. The procedure might involve asking for sufficient financial background to make it easier to decide on the request. Assuming the grant would be under "Section 137" the decision hinges on whether the expenditure would provide a commensurate benefit for some or all of the residents of the parish.

Comments

Thanks counter point, does this only apply to 'precepted money under section 137?
This was discussed, proposed, voted on unanimously but the minutes do say that 'but' this proviso of 'scrutinisation'   was an after thought, after the vote but stuck in by the chairs mate who is the temporary clerk (lost 3 clerks in 10 months) so you can see worry.

---

No, it doesn't. Local councils' powers to incur expenditure are derived from statute. Usually this is unrelated to the source of the money. Sometimes a council might receive money that is earmarked for a particular purpose, such as a government grant for a specific purpose or money raised by public subscription for a particular scheme. And clearly a trust that is administered by a council is a separate matter. Otherwise, whatever money the council has at its disposal can be used as permitted in statute and not otherwise. The clerk doesn't have the power to impose conditions on a grant after it has been agreed by the council.

---

Thank you. We are hoping the proposer and seconder will object a tthe next PC meeting and have this overturned on the 21st. The chair isa bully and surrounded by his chums and it is very disrurbing what is going on. But thanks again Richard